JAPAN: Nissan launching 'racing' GT-R

Motor next month will start selling a limited-production SpecV version of its GT-R 'halo car' at seven dealers in Japan.

The new derivative is targeted at enthusiast drivers wanting race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle and is sure to be sought-after by both 'official' and 'grey' importers in other countries.

Nissan claims the SpecV builds on the original's "ultimate supercar that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime" philosophy - taking it to an entirely new level of "oneness between man and machine."

It hhas unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, boosting the performance even higher than the standard GT-R.

New exterior features include carbon fibre rear spoiler, grille and brake ducts. The car is offered only with black paint.

Inside, it has only two seats which are special Recaro carbon fibre units. Carbon fibre insets trim the rear centre storage box, instrument panel and other areas.

Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine's twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy.

Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes.

The car has light, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008.

Braking is improved and suspension settings are recalibrated.

The seven dealers selling the car in Japan have mechanics with special training for the model and are also familiar with race circuit driving.

Mazda to reduce precious metal usage in new single-nanocatalyst

Mazda Motor has announced the market application of single-nanocatalyst technology in automobile catalytic converters. This new catalyst significantly reduces the amount of precious metals used and effectively purifies vehicle exhaust gases, the company said.

The new catalyst will first be introduced in the all-new Mazda3, which will commence global sales in 2009.

According to the company, with the single-nanocatalyst, the underfloor catalytic converter in the all-new Mazda3 requires 0.15g/L of precious metals, approximately 70% less than the 0.55g/L required in the previous model.

Mazda said that it has developed the single-nanocatalyst to increase the effective surface area of the precious metals used. By developing a method of controlling precious metal particles that are less than 5nm in diameter as well as a proprietary catalyst material structure, Mazda claims that it has created the world's first catalyst that features single-nanosized precious metal particles embedded in fixed positions.

Ford to introduce new SYNC real-time information features

Ford Motor has announced that it is introducing new SYNC real-time information features that will deliver personalized news updates to drivers' mobile phones while helping them navigate around trouble spots, saving time and fuel.

SYNC is a communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. Ford claims that its next-generation system - SYNC with traffic, directions and information - leverages voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer's Bluetooth-capable mobile phone.

Debuting in spring 2009, the next-generation system will provide hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather, the company added.

The new services will be available on nearly all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models with no initial monthly subscription fees. Ford is partnering with Microsoft and other companies such as INRIX, TeleNav, Tellme (a Microsoft subsidiary), M/A-COM and Airbiquity to enable the new services to connect to real-time data.

Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford, said: "Our vision with SYNC is to be a leader in connectivity, making it affordable for millions, just as Ford has done with safety and fuel-saving technologies. In less than 18 months since we launched SYNC, Ford has delivered two more major new features, and we have more in store."

Jaguar announces UK pricing of XF 3.0 V6 diesel variants

Luxury car maker Jaguar has announced the UK pricing of its soon-to-be-introduced XF 3.0 V6 diesel car models. The base version starts at GBP33,900, while the top-end Diesel S Portfolio version costs upwards of GBP44,200, according to Channel 4 News.

The news source has said that the new diesel engine has been developed from the previously offered PSA-Ford 2.7 V6, with renewed tuning, calibration and modification by Jaguar and the Ford diesel center at Dagenham, UK.

The new Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 diesel models are expected to go on sale in the UK in March 2009. The company also plans to export them to the US, where they are expected to meet diesel emissions regulations with very few modifications.

Honda announces new cost cutting measures, drops plan for new S2000

Japanese auto major Honda has canceled its plans for the next-generation S2000 sports car, a V8 engine, rear-wheel drive Acura car and a convertible based on the soon-to-be launched CR-Z hybrid, in a bid to reduce costs, according to Autocar.

The news source reported that Honda has shelved its plans as US sales have reduced. The Japanese car maker had previously announced its intention to cancel its NSX performance car program.

Honda was aiming to compete with BMW with its rear-wheel drive V8-engined Acuras but had faced resistance from some company engineers who deemed the move contrary to Honda's environmentally friendly image, according to Autocar.

Honda may also replace the two different current generation Accords, for the US and international markets, with a single version to save on development costs. The company is also concentrating on introducing more hybrid cars in the short-term.

Automobile Industry Trends

Robots weld parts of an automobile together on an automated production line in Fenton, Missouri. As computer and robot technology has become more advanced, robots are increasingly able to perform more complicated tasks.

Industry that produces automobiles and other gasoline-powered vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and motorcycles. The automobile industry is one of the most important industries in the world, affecting not only the economy but also the cultures of the world. It provides jobs for millions of people, generates billions of dollars in worldwide revenues, and provides the basis for a multitude of related service and support industries. Automobiles revolutionized transportation in the 20th century, changing forever the way people live, travel, and do business.
The first practical car, built by German engineer Karl Benz in 1885, initiated the era of automobile manufacturing. Benz made improvements to the internal combustion engine and invented the differential drive and other automotive components. The company Benz founded grew into one of the largest automobile manufacturers in Germany.

The automobile has enabled people to travel and transport goods farther and faster, and has opened wider market areas for business and commerce. The auto industry has also reduced the overall cost of transportation by using methods such as mass production (making several products at once, rather than one at a time), mass marketing (selling products nationally rather than locally), and globalization of production (assembling products with parts made worldwide). Between 1886 and 1898, about 300 automobiles were built, but there was no real established industry. A century later, with automakers and auto buyers expanding globally, automaking became the world's largest manufacturing activity, with nearly 58 million new vehicles built each year worldwide.
An automated nozzle applies a coat of paint to a section of automobile chassis on an assembly line. In automobile production, paints and varnishes are commonly sprayed as electrically charged powders that adhere by electrostatic attraction; heat causes the powder to become a film. This process is called electrophoresis.

As a result of easier and faster transportation, the United States and world economies have become dependent on the mobility that automobiles, trucks, and buses provide. This mobility allowed remote populations to interact with one another, which increased commerce. The transportation of goods to consumers and consumers to goods has become an industry in itself. The automobile has also brought related problems, such as air pollution, congested traffic, and highway fatalities. Nevertheless, the automobile industry continues to be an important source of employment and transportation for millions of people worldwide.